Revanth bats for Green Metropolis

Chalks out ambitious roadmap for Hyderabad

1. Pollution Control: Relocate industries beyond ORR and ban single-use plastics.
2. Metro Expansion: Accelerate Old City metro works and ensure timely approvals.
3. Musi Riverfront: Develop an iconic landmark and expedite riverfront projects.
4. Heritage & Tourism: Enhance heritage sites and build modern tourism facilities.

The Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform Hyderabad into a pollution-free, sustainable metropolis, with a focus on meeting the city’s needs for the next 25 years. In a review meeting at the Command Control Centre, he directed the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) department to prioritize eco-friendly urban reforms, drawing lessons from the environmental challenges faced by cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

To curb pollution, CM ordered the relocation of polluting industries from the core city to areas beyond the Outer Ring Road (ORR). He emphasized studying urban issues in other major cities to shape Hyderabad’s development strategy. Infrastructure enhancements, including underground drainage and cabling, were prioritized to improve functionality and aesthetics. All departments were instructed to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to support these initiatives. He also mandated a ban on single-use plastics and strict action against illegal dumping of construction waste, with severe penalties for offenders.

A key focus was on accelerating metro rail projects to enhance connectivity and reduce vehicular pollution. Revanth reviewed the progress of metro works, particularly in the Old City, where funds have already been allocated. 

He directed officials to expedite construction and warned against delays in securing approvals for other metro phases. Coordination with the Union Urban Development Ministry was emphasized to ensure swift progress. The CM also pushed for faster development of the elevated corridor from Paradise Junction to Shamirpet ORR, complementing the metro’s expansion to improve city-wide transit.

The Hyderabad Water Supply and Sewerage Board was tasked with overhauling drinking water and sewage systems, ensuring efficient resource use. Heritage conservation under the Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority was highlighted, with plans to strengthen guidelines and develop heritage sites as tourist attractions. The Musi Riverfront project was another priority, with instructions to speed up work from Himayat Sagar to Gandhi Sarovar. CM Reddy proposed an iconic landmark at Kothwalguda Junction, inspired by India Gate or Charminar, to symbolize the riverfront, alongside plans for bridges and barrages with strict regulatory compliance.

Development at Nehru Zoological Park and Mir Alam Tank was reviewed, with directives to ensure Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) operate at full capacity. The CM suggested a modern hotel near these sites to boost tourism, offering views of the city, zoo, and tank. The meeting included key officials like CM’s Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, and representatives from HMDA, GHMC, HYDRA, and Metro Rail.